Joshua Tree National Park, no doubt, is one of the most stunning areas in all of Southern California. The stunning rock formations, desert sunrises/sunset, and the rows and rows of Joshua Trees lining the whole area make this a beautiful location for an elopement. It’s about a 3 hour drive from LAX and San Diego, 4 hours from Vegas, or 50 minutes from Palm Springs, making it an easy to get to destination when visiting or living in Southern California. If the desert outdoors is up your alley, then Joshua Tree is the perfect venue for your vows. I created this resource for you and yours to have a flawless elopement in Joshua Tree.
HOW TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
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Pick a unique AirBnB in Joshua Tree, or any of the surrounding area, for a relaxing a beautiful place to get ready. There are TONS of bohemian, well done, well stocked Air BnBs in the desert. If you pick a 2 bedroom, then you can get ready separately and have a first look on your property!
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Choose the location in Joshua Tree National Park for your ceremony. Check out the list of ceremony locations here.
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Book your Joshua Tree elopement photographer (Contact me to have a free elopement consultation, discussing your vision, dates, timeline, vendors, permits, and more).
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Apply for your marriage license and book an officiant/ask a friend.
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Apply for permits for ceremony, or ask me to do it for you!
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Adventure around the park and the town of Joshua Tree, take in the scenery, make it official, and stargaze all while I tag along capturing your memories.
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Celebrate! Pop champagne, shotgun a beer, have a first dance, bring a cake, stargaze, or do whatever you want to celebrate!
When to Elope in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a desert and can easy reach temps of 100F or above in the summer months. There is no rain or shelter from the elements, so remember that when planning. The best times of the year to go there to explore the outdoors are between October to December and March to May. It does and can rain in the desert in the winter, and can get quite cold in the evenings, so something to consider! If you do a winter elopement, you might get a chance to see snow on the Joshua Trees (very rare, but it does happen)! Please bring plenty of water in the summer months, and always bring layers if you’re planning to stay after dark.
I always recommend a weekday when visiting the park. You avoid crowds, have a better opportunity to obtain the permit for the area you want, and it’s an excuse to take a vacation!
Permit information
You will need to apply for a ceremony permit and a photography permit, each that are $120. I am able to do both of these for you. I do suggest having it done 30 days prior to your wedding date.
Ceremony Locations + other things to consider.
These are the locations where you can get a permit within the park.
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Hidden Valley Picnic Area (Not available February–May)
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Quail Springs (Not available February–May)
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Cap Rock
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Rattlesnake Picnic Area
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Live Oak
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Split Rock
The entrance fee to the park is $30, which includes 7 days entry.
Joshua Tree doesn’t allow any dried flowers, balloons, flame candles, confetti, rice, or drone usage in the park.
This is pretty much everything you need to know for your Joshua Tree elopement. If you’re considering getting married here, please contact me to book a phone call to further discuss your elopement or intimate wedding!
